Prevalence of infections and antimicrobial use in the acute-care hospital setting in the Middle East: Results from the first point-prevalence survey in the region.

Objectives: Community-acquired (CAIs) and healthcare-associated (HAIs) infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Data related to the epidemiology of these infections in the Middle East is scarce. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of infections and antimicrobial use in the acute hospital setting in this region.

Early switch/early discharge opportunities for hospitalized patients with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus complicated skin and soft tissue infections: Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.

Objectives: To describe opportunities for early switch (ES) from intravenous (IV) to oral (PO) antibiotics and early discharge (ED) of patients hospitalized in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) complicated skin and soft tissue infections (cSSTIs).

Methods: This retrospective medical chart review study enrolled physicians from 16 KSA and UAE sites to collect data for 107 MRSA cSSTI patients.

Results: Actual length of MRSA-active treatment was 13.

A project to reduce the rate of central line associated bloodstream infection in ICU patients to a target of zero.

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are life-saving and the majority of patients in intensive care units (ICUs) have them placed in order to receive medicine and fluids. However, the use of these catheters can result in serious bloodstream infections. The rate of Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infection (CLABSI) in Adult Intensive Care Units (ICUs) at King Abdulaziz Medical City Jeddah (KAMC-J) at the start of the project was 2.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Patients Admitted to an Intensive Care Unit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Background: An increasing number of patients are being infected with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) since the first case was identified in September 2012. We report the characteristics and outcomes of MERS-CoV-confirmed patients who developed critical illness requiring admission to an intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of all MERS-CoV-confirmed cases who were admitted to our ICU from March 20, 2014, till June 1, 2014.

Clinical practice guidelines for the management of invasive Candida infections in adults in the Middle East region: Expert panel recommendations.

Invasive Candida infections contribute to significant morbidity and mortality in patients with healthcare-associated infections. They represent a major burden on the public health system, and are challenging to diagnose and treat. A multidisciplinary expert panel critically reviewed available evidence to provide consensus recommendations for the management of invasive Candida infections in the Middle East.

Hepatitis B virus among Saudi National Guard personnel: seroprevalence and risk of exposure.

Background: Data on HBV prevalence among active military personnel in Saudi Arabia (SA) are lacking. In addition, the work-related risk of exposure is unclear. The objective of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of HBV and the risk of HBV exposure among SA National Guard (SANG) soldiers.

Improvement of the low knowledge, attitude and practice of hepatitis B virus infection among Saudi national guard personnel after educational intervention.

Background: Although the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) was reported to be higher in military personnel than the general population in Saudi Arabia (SA), there is lack of studies assessing HBV awareness among them. The objective was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of HBV infection among military personnel.

Methods: An intervention design with pre- and post-education KAP questionnaire was completed among National Guard soldiers working in Jeddah during January 2009.